Children's+Forest+Workshop,+October+28,+2015

Organizing Workshop
 * // Growing a Children’s Forest in Rensselaer County //**

Bldg 6 on this map. Parking along 15th Street.
 * Wednesday, Oct 28,** **7:00-9:00 pm**
 * RPI, Russell Sage Lab,** **5th Floor Lounge**

**Get outside… Learn… Make a connection...**
Important programs have supported outdoor, environmental education in recent years, striving to get “kids in the woods” and "every kid in a park," leaving “no child inside.” Many studies have shown how time in nature improves health, attention spans, learning and imagination. Research has also made clear that environmental stewardship is an urgent priority, and one that our children will need to carry forward. In response, we are visioning a Children’s Forest on the Rensselaer Plateau.

Come join the conversation to explore this exciting concept! We’ll have delicious desserts to share!
 * The Rensselaer Plateau Children’s Forest Partnership*** is working to build environmental stewardship across generations in New York State, and the idea of the Rensselaer Plateau as a Children’s Forest. Children’s Forests are places where children, families, classes, and teachers are given opportunities for learning, play and leadership roles in environmental conservation. At this organizing workshop, the Partnership will lay out possible directions for the initiative, asking for your input. The meeting will bring together representatives from schools, businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. All are welcome!


 * Workshop Agenda: **

__The Rensselaer Plateau__ Representatives of the Partnership will describe the special qualities of the Rensselaer Plateau and sites within it that provide opportunities for learning and recreation.

__Growing Children’s Forests__ RPI’s EcoEd Research Group will describe an array of programs developed around the United States to build intergenerational environmental stewardship – including school-based programs, field trips for classes and families, field schools and research programs, and “stepping stones” programs that link different sites and programs in a region, all cultivating a sense of place and life-long stewardship.

__Crafting the Children’s Forest Vision__ Facilitated, small and full group discussion about possible ways we can work together to build a Children’s Forest in Rensselaer County (the first in the Northeast region of the United States).

**RSVP here**

**FOR MORE INFO** or if you can’t attend, but have input or would like to be put on the Partnership mailing list, please contact RPI Professor and Committee Chair Kim Fortun at fortuk@rpi.edu.

*The Rensselaer Plateau Children’s Forest Partnership includes Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Grafton Lake State Park, Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Friends of Dyken Pond, and RPI’s EcoEd Research Group *The Rensselaer Plateau Children’s Forest Partnership includes Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Grafton Lake State Park,  Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Friends of Dyken Pond, and RPI’s EcoEd Research Group